Rockets in must-win mode with 9 games to play

Published 5:30 am, Tuesday, March 29, 2011

After falling down against the Heat on Sunday night, Chuck Hayes and the Rockets look to get back up tonight against the Nets.

After falling down against the Heat on Sunday night, Chuck Hayes and the Rockets look to get back up tonight against the Nets.

Photo: Marc Serota, Getty Images

Rockets notes: Team in must-win mode with 9 to play

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Trying times

With the Rockets' loss in Miami dropping them 2½ games out of eighth place in the Western Conference, they go into a back-to-back beginning tonight in New Jersey in an almost must-win situation, though they didn't word it that way.

"We're just going to have to bounce back," center Chuck Hayes said. "Nine games are left. We still have a chance. It would have been great to sweep the road trip, but we can't get that. I guess we'll have to settle for two out of three."

Budinger hobbled

Chase Budinger struggled at times in his first game back from a sprained left ankle, but he said it was more the uncertainty about the injury that hindered his play in Miami on Sunday.

"I didn't notice it that much out there, but Shawn (Respert, Rockets director of player development) and others told me I didn't look normal," Budinger said. "I guess I was too aware of it. For me, it's more subconscious than anything else. It kind of affected me in some layups.

"It's kind of scary after you do it. It's in the back of your mind. I'll be fine."

Parting shot

The Rockets took the court at the University of Miami on Monday, but it was just a stopover on the way to the airport and flight to New Jersey.

Coach Rick Adelman allowed the team to shoot half-court shots, offering to cancel practice if someone made it.

Everyone missed. But Adelman let the offer go to overtime, allowing two more chances. Courtney Lee missed with the first extra shot before Chase Budinger made it on the alleged final attempt.